Eric Fornell

Holding a bachelor’s degree in economics and English from Amherst College, and a BA in philosophy, economics, and politics from Oxford University, Eric Fornell began his successful career as vice president of American Natural Resources in Michigan, later serving as the president of CMS Enterprises, a subsidiary of CMS Energy. Eric Fornell then joined Goldman Sachs and Co. before accepting the role of managing director of power and utilities at J.P. Morgan in 1999.

During his time at J.P. Morgan, Mr. Fornell advanced to global head of natural resources, followed by vice chairman. He was responsible for contributing to the growth of investment banking business at the firm, which had previously focused on commercial banking, and led the company’s global investment banking business for oil and gas, chemicals, metals and mining and utilities. As vice chairman, he successfully negotiated the Carbon Principles with two environmental groups. The agreement was made among several major banks, and it governs the banks’ processes of financing coal-fired power plants.

In 2012, Eric Fornell joined Wells Fargo, where he currently works as vice chairman of investment banking and capital markets. In this position, he is responsible for providing strategic advice to clients within the energy and utility industries, and he expanded the firm’s investment banking business into Canada, leading the recruitment of banking teams in both Calgary and Toronto.